This page is for teaching resources on the BBC micro:bit, the $25 board that is so packed with features and so easy to use that it is going to change the world!
What is the micro:bit?
In a nutshell, it is a small board that only costs about $25 in Australia, is very easy to use and packed with sensors. You can program it with blocks or with Python.
Learning about the micro:bit
Some introductory guides to the micro:bit:
Once you've bought one, the very best place to start is http://microbit.org. BBC has set up the micro:bit foundation that runs this site, and it is full of introductory information and lesson resources.
In addition to this site, and linking to some of the same information, is https://www.microbit.co.uk/home
Basic Blockly lessons and activities
If you want to start out with some simple fun activities using the Blockly style editor, then the codeclub activities at https://codeclubprojects.org/en-GB/microbit/ look like a good place to start.
Python on the micro:bit
The micro:bit can be programmed with blocks, which is a great way to get started, no pesky syntax errors. However, the Australian Digital Technologies curriculum says that all year 7 students should learn to use a general purpose programming language - Python is a great choice. Check out the Python on the micro:bit page.
Another interesting site is the Microbit playground at https://microbit-playground.co.uk/
Most importantly, they seem to have hidden the graded lesson plans site, maybe I'm just a noob, but I couldn't find a link to these until I consulted the forums and found them mentioned. This page appears in introductory video but is not easy to find! https://www.microbit.co.uk/td/lessons# Except on later reflection I realised these seem to be based on the "Touch Develop" IDE(?) developed by Microsoft Research, so I'm not sure whether that's necessarily the path you want to take - personally I'd rather use Blockly and then go straight to Python.
Grok and the micro:bit
After attending PyCon 2017, it is clear that Grok Learning people are keen on the micro:bit too, and they offer a number of interesting blog entries and lessons (paid content):
This curriculum is at https://makecode.microbit.org/courses/csintro. It is described as "targeted to middle school grades 6-8 (ages 11-14 years)".
Looking more closely at the description, it seems to have quite a lot of content, as each of the 12 lessons consists of a 30 min unplugged activity, a 60 minute micro:bit activity, and 60-120 mins for an original project related to the concept. So it seems to me that you would want to be devoting two or three lessons per week to do it in one and a half terms.
However, many of the initial activities are not really advanced and would make good micro:bit activities for younger students.
BBC Micro:Bit
This page is for teaching resources on the BBC micro:bit, the $25 board that is so packed with features and so easy to use that it is going to change the world!
What is the micro:bit?
In a nutshell, it is a small board that only costs about $25 in Australia, is very easy to use and packed with sensors. You can program it with blocks or with Python.Learning about the micro:bit
Some introductory guides to the micro:bit:
Where can I get a micro:bit?
There are a few resellers in Australia, we like Core Electronics - check out the Core Electronics micro:bit page. They even have their own micro:bit in the classroom page.How can I get started using a micro:bit?
Once you've bought one, the very best place to start is http://microbit.org. BBC has set up the micro:bit foundation that runs this site, and it is full of introductory information and lesson resources.In addition to this site, and linking to some of the same information, is https://www.microbit.co.uk/home
Basic Blockly lessons and activities
If you want to start out with some simple fun activities using the Blockly style editor, then the codeclub activities at https://codeclubprojects.org/en-GB/microbit/ look like a good place to start.Python on the micro:bit
The micro:bit can be programmed with blocks, which is a great way to get started, no pesky syntax errors. However, the Australian Digital Technologies curriculum says that all year 7 students should learn to use a general purpose programming language - Python is a great choice. Check out the Python on the micro:bit page.Another interesting site is the Microbit playground at https://microbit-playground.co.uk/
Most importantly, they seem to have hidden the graded lesson plans site, maybe I'm just a noob, but I couldn't find a link to these until I consulted the forums and found them mentioned. This page appears in introductory video but is not easy to find! https://www.microbit.co.uk/td/lessons# Except on later reflection I realised these seem to be based on the "Touch Develop" IDE(?) developed by Microsoft Research, so I'm not sure whether that's necessarily the path you want to take - personally I'd rather use Blockly and then go straight to Python.
Grok and the micro:bit
After attending PyCon 2017, it is clear that Grok Learning people are keen on the micro:bit too, and they offer a number of interesting blog entries and lessons (paid content):Science and the microbit
Some lessons with the micro:bit that are related to Science (linked to US curriculum):Microsoft's 14 week "Intro to CS" Curriculum
This curriculum is at https://makecode.microbit.org/courses/csintro. It is described as "targeted to middle school grades 6-8 (ages 11-14 years)".Looking more closely at the description, it seems to have quite a lot of content, as each of the 12 lessons consists of a 30 min unplugged activity, a 60 minute micro:bit activity, and 60-120 mins for an original project related to the concept. So it seems to me that you would want to be devoting two or three lessons per week to do it in one and a half terms.
However, many of the initial activities are not really advanced and would make good micro:bit activities for younger students.
I've made some more notes about this course on the microbit Microsoft 14 week Intro to CS page.